Chariot Fire holds at 4,700 acres, burns eight structures

Cal Fire reported Tuesday morning that the Chariot Fire was holding at 4,700 acres, was 15 percent contained, and had reached Sunrise Highway in the Cottonwood Canyon area, burning through the Al Bahr Shrine Camp and destroying the conference center. Evacuations were in place along Sunrise Highway from mile marker 17 to 29, and Sunrise Highway was closed from Interstate 8 to Highway 79.

“The fire is now well established on the west side of Sunrise Highway. There has been a significant increase in acreage on the Cleveland National Forest,” Cal Fire Capt. Mike Mohler stated in a release.

The fire continued to be a potential threat to Foster Lodge, Mt. Laguna residences and campgrounds, including El Prado, Horse Heaven and Laguna, Mohler said Tuesday, adding that eight structures were destroyed, 120 structures threatened and five injuries reported.

Personnel fighting the flames from the air and ground totaled nearly 1,400. Of the injuries, three were heat-related and one was a facial cut, said Mohler.

Update—Monday, July 8, 7:15 p.m.—

Cal Fire reports that the Chariot Fire is 4,700 acres and at least eight structures were damaged or destroyed. The following areas are still under evacuation: homes within a half mile on each side of Sunrise Highway between mile markers 17 and 29.

Firefighter Brennan Baldwin with Cleveland National Forest's Engine 334 snapped this photo of the Chariot Fire, burning about 9 miles southeast of Julian. San Diego County Sheriff's Department evacuated 115 residences and 60 businesses at 2 p.m. Monday, stating the wind was blowing the fire toward the Laguna Townsite. At 2:45 p.m., Cal Fire reported the blaze had grown to 3,000 acres, was in rugged terrain, and was 15 percent contained. Photos courtesy of Chantel Yanez

Firefighter Daniel Yanez with Cleveland National Forest's Engine 334 sprays water on a hot spot while battling the Chariot Fire. His wife, Chantel Yanez, sent the photos to the Sentinel. Photo taken by Firefighter Brennan Baldwin.